OUR VIEW: Cheers and jeers

Friday

Jan 10, 2014 at 3:57 PMJan 10, 2014 at 3:59 PM

A CHEER … to the Joe Benet Memorial Kazoo Fest, which raised almost $100,000 to support the many programs and services provided by Camp Good Days & Special Times for children, adults and families who are dealing with cancer and other life-threatening challenges. And a cheer to all the volunteers who helped during shifts, and to all those who donated during the holiday season. The Kazoo Fest was held during the holiday shopping season at the entrance of JC Penney stores in Eastview Mall, Marketplace Mall and Greece-Ridge Center Mall, as well as other locations in western and central New York.— Submitted by Phil Martello, communications director, Camp Good Days and Special Times, Inc.

A JEER … to MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry, whose panel of comedians reviewing pics from the last year openly mocked Mitt Romney’s family photo featuring his adopted African-American grandson Kieran James.And while Harris Perry offered up a tearful apology for remarks, which Romney graciously accepted, you’ve got to wonder about the MSNBC host’s decision-making skills to use the pic of the Romney family as fodder for the group.

A CHEER … to all the folks who braved incredibly cold conditions earlier this week to do their jobs, including police, fire, highway, utility and mail workers, as well as our own newspaper delivery folks, including many youngsters with walking routes.Those of us able to scamper from the parking lot to the paper had it good. Thanks to all those who didn’t have that luxury.

A JEER … to pet owners who don’t protect their animals from cold winter weather.The recent arctic blast was an obvious time for owners to bring their pets indoors, but pets should never have to spend their days and nights outside in the winter, regardless of whether it’s bitterly cold.For those who have outdoor animals, winter is the time to bring them in or provide warm shelter. And if you need to let them out during the day, ensure it’s not for a long period and never for the night. Even modest winter days turn into very cold nights, and cats and dogs can sustain injuries to their paws and maybe even die.You wouldn’t go out in the cold and snow without boots or heavy coats on. Why should they?

Weigh inGot a cheer or jeer you’d like to contribute? Send them to opinion page editor Steve Buchiere at Sbuchiere@messengerpostmedia.com